Learning Resources

‘Agile’ Design for the Future-Ready Campus

Optimize the HyFlex Learning Experience to Enhance Engagement

By: Craig Park, BS Arch

‘Agile’ project management is an iterative methodology emphasizing collaboration, user feedback, and small, rapid initiatives to adapt quickly and efficiently to change.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: The Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) classroom allows students to choose between in-person and online participation, leveraging technology and ensuring digital equity. This article underscores the HyFlex model’s role in enhancing educational accessibility, engagement, and resilience; expanding institutional reach; and adapting to demographic shifts and technological advancements. By embracing “Agile” project management principles and a continuous improvement mindset, institutions can create effective, inclusive learning environments that cater to a wide range of student needs, improving learning outcomes and institutional competitiveness in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Information Technology Planning
Tags: Continuous Improvement, Facilities Planning, Hybrid Learning, Learning Environments, Learning Technology, Online Learning, Project Management

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 19, 2024

Designing Beyond the Binary to Foster Belonging

By: Melissa Falkenstien, University of California-Irvine | Elizabeth MacPherson Hearn, Mithun | K Kaczmarek, Mithun | Jennifer Nelson Martinez, University of California-Irvine

Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities.

Abstract: Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities. Designing facilities with gender equity in mind helps to support marginalized communities and future proof the campus. This session will present case studies and inclusive best practices for ‘designing beyond the binary’ to foster belonging in campus housing, restrooms, and gathering spaces. You’ll discover strategies to foster belonging and wellbeing for a spectrum of gender identities through programming and operations as well as learn about design tools and tips to create belonging in spatial environments.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Informal Learning Environments, LGBTQIA, Student Demographics, Student Housing

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Institutional Process Mapping

A College Eliminates Service Gaps and Improves Efficiency and Collaboration

By: Steve Erickson, EdD, and G.L. Tucker, BS

Minnesota State Community and Technical College coordinated and integrated processes for student onboarding to support institutional performance.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Students experience institutional processes differently than employees within an institution. Process mapping and evaluation, or Value Stream Mapping, is a purposeful way to coordinate and integrate processes to support institutional performance through the identification of inefficiencies, increased interdepartmental collaboration, and ultimately the creation of new processes that eliminate service gaps. This article will introduce key elements in process mapping, process evaluation, and the process management lifecycle. Those concepts will be described through one collegiate institution’s practical application of student onboarding evaluations across several departments, including recruiting, admissions, financial aid, and advising.

Institutions Mentioned: Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Tags: Community College, Continuous Improvement, Operational Planning, Planning Processes, Student Services

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Survival of the Financially Fittest

Leverage Strategic Decision-Making and Key Financial Metrics to Achieve Financial Stability

By: Aaron Meis, EdD, and Julee Gard, EdD

Leaders must look closely at financial trends that may reveal signs of trouble—in the short or immediate term—and have the courage to act to address them.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: This article explores a methodology for assessing and managing the financial viability of private, tuition-dependent institutions as well as institutional tactics and strategies used to improve their financial strength. The resulting model will help institutions understand the trends and predictive value of key financial metrics directly impacting their liquidity and operations and how senior leadership can drive change. Institutional examples illustrate how to engage senior leadership in strategic decision-making that includes assessment of revenue growth and/or expense management.

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Destination 2030

The Need for Transformation Architects

By: Edward Inch, PhD, Minnesota State University – Mankato | Lynn Akey, PhD, Minnesota State University – Mankato | Linda Baer, PhD, Strategic Initiatives and Minnesota State University – Mankato

Institutions Mentioned: Minnesota State University-Mankato
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Strategic Planning, Resource Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Assessment / Analytics, Data, Disruptive Change, Enrollment Management, Environmental Scanning, Higher Ed Trends, Organizational Change, Planning Processes, Presidential Leadership, Student Demographics, Student Success

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Book Review: The Agile College

How Institutions Successfully Navigate Demographic Changes

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

From Volume 51 Number 2 | January–March 2023

Abstract: The Agile College: How Institutions Successfully Navigate Demographic Changes
by Nathan D. Grawe
Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore: 2021
298 pages
ISBN: 978-1421440231

Does hope motivate action or complacency? Does crisis induce change or despair? Nathan D. Grawe readily acknowledges this tension in The Agile College, his follow-up book to his 2018 Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education. The latter propelled the inescapable discussion throughout higher education of the looming “demographic cliff.” The Agile College suggests how agile institutions might prevent demography from becoming destiny.

Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning
Tags: Change Management, COVID-19, Demographics, Disruptive Change, Recovery Planning, Resiliency, Shrinking Pool of Potential Students, Student Demographics, Student Recruitment, Student Retention, Trends External to Higher Ed

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Social Mobility and the Graduation Rate Paradox

Can You Advance One and Avoid the Other?

By: Roy Mathew, PhD, Elsa Bonilla-Martin, PhD, Luis A Aguirre, MS, and Naoko Tsuboi, MA

By using a metric-based planning framework, researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso identified areas for institutional intervention to enhance social mobility outcomes.

From Volume 51 Number 1 | October–December 2022

Abstract: Social mobility is an emerging area of focus for higher education institutions. In recent years, we have seen a proliferation of measures related to social mobility produced by publishers, scholars, think tanks, and foundations. However, it is still unclear which social mobility measures to advance, or when to intervene to improve social mobility outcomes. We rely on a century of literature from economics, sociology, and policy analysis to identify an appropriate framework to understand higher education’s contribution to social mobility. Using the metric-based planning framework, we identify areas for institutional intervention to enhance social mobility outcomes.

Institutions Mentioned: The University of Texas at El Paso
Planning Types: Institutional Effectiveness Planning, Strategic Enrollment Management Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Enrollment Management, Student Demographics, Student Success, Underserved Students

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 26, 2022

2022 Annual Conference | July 2022

Weaving Planning and Accreditation Together for Action

By: Jamienne S. Studley, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) | Lynn Akey (Moderator), Minnesota State University-Mankato

Join us for an intimate discussion with Jamienne Studley, president of WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), former college president, and deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Education (2013–2016).

Abstract: Institutions will need to restructure at an unprecedented pace to achieve results vital for student success and institutional sustainability. Join us for an intimate discussion with Jamienne Studley, president of WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), former college president, and deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Education (2013–2016). Synergy between strategic integrated planning and accreditation review can drive meaningful and efficient analysis in our institutions and become a catalyst for quality, continuous improvement for change, and pursuit of the results we want.

Planning Types: Academic Planning
Tags: Accreditation, Alignment, Continuous Improvement, SCUP 2022 Annual Conference

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Seven Lessons in Inclusive Campus Design

Learn How the University of Kentucky Developed Its First DEI Facilities and Spaces Plan

By: Mary Anne Ocampo, MArch, MAUD | Mary S. Vosevich, MBA | Katrice Albert, PhD

Institutions are starting to grapple with histories of developing indigenous lands and the legacy of an able-bodied vernacular within campus design that continues to reinforce in-groups and out-groups.

From Volume 50 Number 3 | April–June 2022

Abstract: A global health crisis intersecting with a racial reckoning has led to a renewed commitment to reflect on complex histories and plan for more inclusive futures on many American campuses. Institutions, which benefitted from traditional hierarchies of power, are starting to grapple with histories of developing indigenous lands and the legacy of a western and able-bodied vernacular within campus design that continues to reinforce in-groups and out-groups. The authors are presently leading first-of-their-kind DEI planning initiatives; in this article they unpack how a public institution is meeting their past head-on to plan better futures.

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Example Plans

Published
May 31, 2022

Supporting Document

Public (British Columbia, Canada)

A series of thorough, heavily sourced environmental scanning reports developed by the institution’s institutional effectiveness department to support its strategic planning process.

Planning Types: Institutional Effectiveness Planning, Strategic Planning
Resource Types: Supporting Document
Tags: Canada, Economic Development, Environmental Scanning, Higher Ed Trends, Student Demographics, Trends External to Higher Ed

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Planning Types

Challenges